The threat of a massive wildfire destroying California’s giant sequoias appears to have eased. Favorable weather allowed crews to reinforce containment lines overnight.
The U.S. Forest Service said the Garnet Fire, burning in Sierra National Forest, has not harmed any of the iconic trees.
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Straight Arrow News reported Monday that embers were visible in the branches of sequoias in McKinley Grove. There, smokejumpers were deployed to extinguish them and prevent the fire from spreading.
On Tuesday, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson told The Washington Post that the “threat of the advancing fire has passed.” The spokesperson said none of the sequoias were killed and that the flames that did occur will help the trees release seeds and improve the overall health of the grove.
The fire, sparked by a lightning strike on Aug. 24, has burned more than 56,000 acres and prompted a partial closure of Sierra National Forest as crews worked to contain the blaze.
Firefighting update
Crews took advantage of higher humidity and more predictable winds to strengthen containment lines along the northern and western flanks, according to a Wednesday update. Firefighters worked to clear fallen trees and stop spot fires.
Areas like Laurel Creek could see more flames, which might threaten McKinley Grove Road. Fire crews are ready for flare-ups, including small fires jumping short distances and clusters of flames.
McKinley Grove and conservation concerns
McKinley Grove, an isolated part of the forest about 65 miles northeast of Fresno, is home to more than 200 sequoias across roughly 100 acres. The Save the Redwoods League said government efforts to protect the trees are lagging. It noted that 20% of California’s sequoias have been lost to wildfires since 2015.
Ben Blom, director of stewardship and restoration at the Save the Redwoods League, praised crews for their efforts to protect the trees. However, he warned that the grove remains at risk. The organization has asked California lawmakers to disburse funds approved by voters through last year’s Prop 4 climate bond.
“The science is clear: Proactive fuels-reduction treatment is indisputably the most necessary and effective method to restore wildfire resiliency to giant sequoia groves across the Sierra,” Blom said in a statement.
